New Research Shows Markets and Timing Matter When Accounting for Biogenic Carbon

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has published "Forest  Carbon Accounting Considerations in US Bioenergy Policy" in the Journal of Forestry. The article, which was authored by an SAF-sponsored team comprised of some of the US's leading forest carbon experts, identifies and examines scientific-based insights essential to understanding forest bioenergy and "carbon debts."

As noted by Reid Miner, the lead author and chair of the SAF team, the article's insights, which are built on a comprehensive review of the most current literature, illustrate why quantifying the full spectrum of forest-based activities is critical when accounting for biogenic carbon and carbon dioxide, and why policymakers should consider that:

• Even while the greenhouse-gas benefits of sustainable forest biomass energy are sometimes delayed, it is well established that these benefits are substantial over the long term.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that peak global temperature is likely to be determined by long-term cumulative CO2 emissions, and that forest-based energy and products help limit cumulative CO2 emissions.
• An accurate comparison of the carbon impacts of forest biomass energy with those of other energy sources requires the use of consistent timeframes in the comparison.
• Landowner responses to increased wood demand can have a significant influence on the carbon impacts of forest biomass energy.

SAF President Dave Walters, a Certified Forester (CF), expressed his satisfaction with the work of the team, saying, "SAF is dedicated to fostering scientific understanding informed by practice. I am proud that SAF was able to attract leaders in the fields of forest economics, substitution effects, and biogenic carbon accounting to inform the discussion of the treatment of biogenic carbon emissions."

The release of this article comes as a number of groups await the Environmental Protection Agency's Carbon Accounting Framework for Biogenic Carbon Emissions, following a three- year deferral to examine the issue. The article is available online: http://dx.doi.org/10.5849/jof.14-009

Chartered in 1900 to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry for the benefit of society, SAF will continue to work on behalf of its 12,000 professional members across the country to promote scientific understanding and encourage dialogue on this important issue that will impact forest management now and in the future.

SOURCE Society of American Foresters